25 March 2009
Raha Patrols using trained technicians, advanced On Board Diagnostic Systems & GPS Technology

No Labor or Recovery Charges for Raha Members

Specialised Motorcycle Recovery Systems for Bike Owners

Doha, Qatar: The motorists of Qatar are in safe hands' is the message from Raha Auto Assistance, Qatar's first 24/7 on-the-spot roadside vehicle repair and recovery service, as the company demonstrates how its hi-tech European vehicle repair equipment and fully trained technicians are rescuing Raha members after accidents and breakdowns on the roads of Qatar.

Raha's On Board Diagnostic Computer technology means technicians can assist in diagnosing many complex mechanical and electrical problems which can prove dangerous to motorists if they happen during the brutal summer weather, including Ignition, Fuel systems, Brakes, Cooling systems, Exhaust/Turbo systems, Transmission, Steering and Suspension failures.

Raha's sophisticated hi-tech equipment is welcome news for drivers of top-of-the-range European, Japanese and American vehicles, who believe their new vehicle warranty protects them from all problems. In reality, many common problems motorists suffer are not always covered by a warranty, but are 100 percent covered by Raha at no extra cost.

"Most of our members call Raha because of a flat battery, flat tire, after a traffic accident, or because they run out of fuel or lock keys inside the vehicle. Not all warranties will help if this happens to you," advises Director of Operations Roy Clarke, a 27-year UK roadside assistance expert.

Using the latest advanced electronic mapping technology, updated in December 2008, Raha's 24/7/365 bi-lingual Doha Call Center sends a highly-trained Raha technician via an electronic system linked to GPS touch screens in all 30 Patrol vehicles.

"GPS technology means Raha can send whichever Patrol is closest to your location, guaranteeing a rapid response time currently below 30 minutes on average, 24 hours a day," says Roy Clarke. "And with new specialised recovery vehicles for off road and VIP vehicles arriving from the UK soon, Raha response times for all vehicles are likely to get even faster."

"After the initial Raha Membership fee, less than QR2 per day, there is no labour charge for repairing a Member's vehicle and no charge if recovery is needed. We only charge for parts - at cost price with no profit margin," says Raha Managing Director Ikram Hamdad.

Raha technicians are highly trained vehicle mechanics, almost certainly the best in Qatar. Every technician, already an experienced mechanic, undergoes three months intensive training in Raha's purpose built training facility to reach the high standards required before Raha allows them to repair a Member's vehicle.

"Owners of prestige vehicles can be assured Raha technicians continually visit car dealers to share their technical knowledge and keep up-to-date with all current vehicle models. No matter how modern, expensive or hi-tech your vehicle, it's in safe hands with Raha," adds Ikram Hamdad.

All Raha Patrols carry the necessary tools, genuine high quality parts and advanced diagnostic equipment on board which, when used by trained Raha diagnostic technicians, help members with the vast majority of faults.

The knowledge and experience of Raha technicians is second to none when it comes to roadside repair. "Raha receives many, many applications for patrol jobs but very few who impress us enough to be employed. Our technicians are trained to the highest European technical, safety and customer service standards," adds Roy Clarke.

Raha boast that mobile Patrols are fitted with on board VRS (vehicle recovery system) to recover a Member's vehicle without waiting for a tow truck if a roadside repair is not possible. Designed in the UK, the Raha VRS has been tested to safely tow the largest family saloons including top-of-the-range Mercedes and BMW.

Raha aims to repair 70% of all vehicles on-the-spot. When a tow truck is necessary, a specially equipped Raha Recovery Truck built to carry the weight of 4 Land Cruisers takes the member's vehicle and passengers to any destination in Qatar - completely free of charge!

All Raha Recovery Trucks boast a solid aluminium slide back design - so no balancing on ramps like vehicles from inferior recovery services - an automatic loading system and the latest European safety strapping system developed in the UK, so every wheel is secured for complete professional recovery

Raha Membership is also recommended for Qatar's motorcycle owners, with the company investing in the latest purpose built motorcycle recovery systems to guarantee a professional recovery for non-repairable motorcycle crashes and faults.

To join Raha and give yourself motoring peace of mind on the roads of Qatar, call 428 8333 or visit www.rahaauto.com

-Ends- 

About Raha Auto Assistance
Raha Auto Assistance is a membership-based motoring organisation founded in 2008, with membership open to all motorists in Qatar. As Qatar's first specialist patrol-based roadside repair and recovery service, our focus is on-the-spot roadside repairs to get business and individual Members' vehicles moving after a breakdown or traffic accident.

Raha's state-of-the-art, bi-lingual Doha Call Centre dispatches one of over 30 highly-trained patrols in their specially-equipped vehicles using satellite technology to reach Members quickly and carry out on-the-spot repairs.

Raha is committed to providing the very highest levels of service to its members. Majority-owned by Qatar Technical Inspection Company (QTIC), we combine in-depth international auto assistance experience with QTIC's expert knowledge of the Qatari market to make Raha the biggest and best motoring organisation in Qatar, the champion of road safety and environmental motoring issues. Shareholding partners Nasser Bin Khaled Al Thani Holdings and Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Company further enhance Raha's automotive credentials.

Raha news releases, full Membership details and Terms & Conditions can be found on our internet website at www.rahaauto.com

For further information please contact:
Krikor Khatchikian
Senior Account Manager
Cohn & Wolfe Public Relations
Telephone: +974 428 3177
Email: Krikor.Khatchikian@cohnwolfeqatar.com

© Press Release 2009